MODULE 12: CAPTIONS

Captions should do more than state the obvious.

Captions answer readers’ questions about the photo.

Caption writing requires reporting.

Direct quotes from individuals in the photo add depth.

STEP ONE |• Who: Seniors Maria Gonzales, Jennifer Williams

• What: Taking pictures of themselves

• When: After Friday, October 15 pep rally

• Why: Because they were named homecoming maids, elected by popular vote of the student body

• Describe the best memories of the event: “I was thrilled when Maria was named one of the maids and I never even heard them announce my name. Then Maria screamed and pointed at me. We took our pic together to send to our grandparents and post on Facebook.”

• Tell us something we can’t see from the photo: Maria and Jennifer have been best friends since kindergarten.

GATHER INFORMATION | Answer the 5 W’s and H and more.

• Homecoming• Royalty• Maids• Photo• Pink camera phone• Pink• Smile• Say cheese

• Quick pic• Best friends• Rally• Click • Facebook• Crowns• BFF

STEP TWO |

VISUAL/VERBAL CONNECTION | Brainstorm a list of attention-getting impact words for the caption lead-in.

STEP THREE |PHONE HOME. After having just been named senior homecoming maids, seniors Maria Gonzales and Jennifer Williams pose for themselves at the pep rally and send the quick picture to their family and friends before posting on their Facebook pages.

SUMMARY CAPTION | Write a sentence in present tense explaining the photo.

STEP THREE |PHONE HOME. After having just been named senior homecoming maids, seniors Maria Gonzales and Jennifer Williams pose for themselves at the pep rally and send the quick picture to their family and friends before posting on their Facebook pages. “I was thrilled when Maria was named one of the maids and I never even heard them announce my name. Then Maria screamed and pointed at me. We took our pic together to send to our grandparents and post on Facebook,” Williams said.

EXPANDED CAPTION | Write additional sentences providing relevant information and a quote.

Caption formats range from identifications to mini-stories.

Sports captions require specific details and understanding.

Joke captions should be avoided.

A lead-in serves as a mini-headline for a caption.

The first sentence identifies the individuals and explains what is happening.

A second sentence adds information and insights.

Writing a caption is like writing a poem; each word counts.

TYPOGRAPHIC TECHNIQUES | Visually emphasize the caption lead-in.

MODULE 12: CAPTIONS